05/25/2015

Bicycling for a better Waterloo

It was a happy group of people who gathered in the courtyard at Waterloo City Hall tonight, having ridden up and down King Street in a show of support for the proposed streetscape design to make the core more friendly to cyclists.

Key among the proposals is segregated bicycle lanes. This 2014 graphic from the TriTAG (Tri-Cities Transport Action Group) website makes the good arguments for segregated bike lanes in urban core areas.

I valued the segregated bicycle lanes I rode in Copenhagen, where cycling infrastructure supported cyclists and attracted more people to cycling as an alternative to motoring. The segregated bicycle lanes in Waterloo will be more of a gesture than a significant contribution to cycling infrastructure. But you have to start somewhere, and it's a clear indication of intent by the City to place this gesture in a showcase location, as compared to say, the experiment of the bicycle box and bike lanes that was tucked away on Davenport Road.

What impressed me tonight was the group of cyclists. I showed up at the Waterloo Public Square a bit early to a sparse crowd, but by the time the words of welcome were over, the group had grown to easily 100 riders. As the crowd snaked up the street, more struggled to catch up, and a few joined from side streets. All types of cyclists were there, from the cycle chic to families with bike trailers. It was a pretty striking moment. Thanks to TriTAG and WaterlooBikes for organizing the ride, and for pushing so hard for quality cycling infrastructure in Waterloo Region.